Deuteronomy 12

Here we have a checklist for worship once they enter into the promised land. First, they need to destroy all the pagan places of worship. Second, they need to make a place to worship God – not just anywhere, but where God tells them to put it! Third, they need to remember that blood is sacred and shouldn’t be consumed. Fourth, they need to dedicate the first ten percent of the field and the firstborn of the livestock to God. One reason for that is to take care of the Levites who lead them in worship (12:19). Fifth, they need to make sure that they don’t engage in any idolatrous practices themselves. And finally, they need to make sure that they don’t add to or take away from any of the laws that God has given them.

Thought for the day: Although the Israelites only had one sanctuary and one place to bring offerings, we aren’t restricted in that way. We can worship anywhere, because the offering that was given is a once and for all time offering!

John 4:23-24 (WEB) “But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Hebrews 7:27 (WEB) “[Jesus] doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.”